Beautiful Spirit

Chapter 1

"Faint winds, and far away a fading laughter . . .

And the rain and over the fields a voice calling . . .

One gray blown cloud scurries and lifts above,

Slides on the sun and flutters there to waft her

Sisters on. The shadow of a dove

Falls on the cote, the trees are filled with wings;

And down the-"

A sickly cough interrupted Thomas and he quickly set the book aside. He hopped up from the chair, grabbed the water glass on the nightstand and helped Jimmy take a drink. It was almost like clockwork when Jimmy needed it. He had gotten so weak over the past week, he couldn't even lift up his head. Dr. Clarkson said it was pneumonia, but even though it was caught early, Jimmy was not getting anyway. Pneumonia was fatal, and Thomas feared the worst as Jimmy remained ill. He was at the worst stage of it, so he could only get better, or that is what Mrs. Hughes had told him. Surprisingly, even Mr. Carson was worried for Jimmy's well being. Jimmy may not have gotten on with Mr. Carson, but having a member of staff fatally ill, was nothing to celebrate. Whether they were liked or not, they were family.

After Jimmy took down a good amount of water and began to breathe, heavy, but he was breathing none the less, Thomas sat the glass back down and pulled the chair closer. Jimmy opened his eyes partially and looked right at Thomas.

"Papa," he said weekly. Thomas smiled and looked down. One of the symptoms of pneumonia was delirium. It wasn't the first time Jimmy called Thomas Papa and Thomas wasn't the only one he was confused with. Jimmy called Mrs. Hughes "Mama" at one time or "Lady Anstruther" and apologized for not serving. He called Mr. Carson and pretty much any male that visited him Papa, but called Thomas many other names. Most often he called him Richard or Charles and ask if it was a school day. All Thomas could really do was smile and correct him.

"Where is Thomas," Jimmy asked. Thomas froze a bit. He never asked for him. Thomas smiled and sat down.

"I'm right here, Jimmy," Thomas replied. Jimmy opened his eyes wider and smiled.

"Ah, there you are," Jimmy said then lightly laughed, "Are you finished under-butlerin' for the day?"

Thomas smiled.

"Yes," he replied, "and tomorrow is my day off so I can be up here if you like."

Jimmy made a face and shook his head.

"No," Jimmy said, "You go to town and have fun. Go meet a beautiful stable boy...not more beautiful than me though."

Thomas laughed and Jimmy smiled, proud of his weak little joke.

"I don't think I'm meant for love, Jimmy," Thomas said as tears formed.

You're the only one I could ever love. If you leave me, I'll be alone forever.

"You will one day, Thomas," Jimmy said, "but maybe he needs to court you. You're rubbish at courting."

Thomas smiled wide and nodded. Jimmy coughed a little again and groaned.

"Oh I can't bear this anymore, papa. It hurts."

Thomas's throat felt tight as he once again gave Jimmy a drink of water.

"I can't go to school tomorrow," Jimmy said. A tear slipped down Thomas's cheek as he shook his head.

"No," was all he could say.